When I first suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), I was scared and uncertain about what the future held for me. But then I (eventually) remembered the incredible story of Phineas Gage, and it gave me hope.
For those who may not know, Phineas Gage was a railway construction worker who, in 1848, survived a horrific accident in which an iron rod was driven through his brain, causing extensive damage to his frontal lobes. Despite this, Gage not only survived the injury but was able to function relatively normally and maintain his personality and character.
Learning about Gage's story was scientifically relevant to me as well. The brain is a complex organ, and even small injuries can have a significant impact on a person's life. Gage's story shows that the brain is capable of incredible resilience and adaptability, even after a major injury.
As I embarked on my own journey with mTBI, knowing that the brain could still function after such a significant injury gave me hope and solidified my spirituality. I began to have faith in my brain's ability to heal and recover, even if it might take time and patience.
Of course, my journey was not without its challenges. Like Gage, I experienced changes in my personality and mood, as well as difficulty with memory and concentration. But I also discovered new ways of thinking and approaching problems that I might not have explored otherwise.
In the end, the story of Phineas Gage gave me the hope and inspiration I needed to keep going and to believe in my brain's ability to heal and adapt. It reminded me that, like Gage, I too could overcome the challenges of my injury and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.